It’s a Garbe Luxe Life

In a perfect world I would live only in Garbe Luxe

But life is never perfect…although it’s getting there because I’ve recently added a few more GL pieces to my wardrobe.  And I must say it’s not only because Natalia, the designer behind the brand is a good friend of mine. She is the best advertisement though…with or without even realizing it.

On a recent visit to Palm Springs we put on an impromptu mini fashion show in a hotel room with another friend and my sister.  And because the product is so well made (in Los Angeles no less; a rarity), and the fit is just right along with comfy quality fabric it’s a no-brainer…we of course wanted it all…even stuff that wasn’t for sale (like from Nat’s own wardrobe from last season) and a few items still in progress.  Didn’t matter – we still wanted it.

There’s always been a fine line to what is popularly coined “athleisure” as to whether you can wear it to places other than to and from the gym or running errands. But with this brand I would wear it for casual day wear any time.  It’s the missing link.  The replacement for jeans + a t-shirt for daytime for walking the dogs, meeting a friend for lunch, shopping, dropping kids to school (providing you have kids), here and there….also for the gym.  Some images from the Holiday Lookbook:

The missing link:

https://garbeluxe.com/

 

 

Décor: Sheepskin on Leather

Loving the look and feel of sheepskin over leather.

It not only looks chic, the warmth and supersoft texture is incredibly comfy over the coolness of leather.

Sheepskin also looks great when layering with other cushions and throws.

A little or a lot….just depends on how you throw it together.

Monday Mood: Couture Beyond

It’s been a while since I’ve had some serious Style Inspiration but this goes beyond.  This is global fashion culture. I’m talking about the first Canadian exhibition devoted to the work of Guo Pei, China’s preeminent couturière, and the first fashion exhibition ever presented at the Vancouver Art Gallery.  In collaboration with SCAD FASH MUSEUM OF FASHION + FILM.  On until January 20, 2019.  Simply Superb!

Photos: d. king

Featuring more than forty complete looks from Pei’s most iconic runway shows from 2006 to 2017.   Theatrical, extravagant (no kidding) creations combining contemporary aesthetics, production methods and materials with ancient tradition, evoking Chinese history and mythology in her technique with fabric selection and imagery.  These photos do not do her justice.

Photos: d. king
Rhianna wore this gown to the Met Gala.  It is made of silk & fox fur.
Photos: d. king

If you get the chance I highly recommend checking it out.  To date it is definitely the most magnificent display I’ve ever come across in fashion.

back IN: the Saddle

Talking about one of the decades most coveted IT bags.  THE Dior Saddle Bag.

Getty Images – Harpers Bazaar
Imaxtree
HBO – Carrie Bradshaw Sex and the City

The thing about vintage collector bags is that they never really go out of style.  Personally if I’ve spent a lot on a bag I don’t intend to wear it for only one season.  I intend to keep it forever. The Dior saddle bag in all of its many reiterations was an iconic accessory of the early 2000’s and the fashion house brought it back to the runway for the Fall 2018 show.

Carried by everyone from Paris Hilton to Carrie Bradshaw and beyond, Dior’s ubiquitous saddle bag cemented its status as one of the key looks of the era. Though most often done in Dior’s signature logo print, the It bag was offered in a wide array of styles, patterns and colors in its prime.

Vintage styles of the Dior saddle bag have been quickly selling out on luxury resale sites like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal for the past few months. The bag has been spotted on models like Bella Hadid along with a rising number of fashion bloggers on Instagram.

Ha. And I’ve been wearing my non-flashy tan leather saddle bag off and on since I first bought it in Los Angeles many years ago.  And I’ve never gotten tired of it.

Which style is your preference-  Plain, Logo, or Printed?

 

 

End of Summer

It’s all about layering

Some random casually chic sweater weather inspiration.  For that unpredictable in-between time.  Exactly!

When the sun comes out you can still have a picnic.  Cleobella Capelet from Rachel Zoe Box of Style – the perfect cozy throw.

Glamping moment?

As for me?

The sun came out yesterday.  I wore a light sleeveless knit over beige cords. Jacket over chair. Thinking about where to go glamping next.

Cheers!

 

 

 

Inside “Je Suis Couturier”

– ALAIA GALLERIA BORGHESE

Mixing Art with Fashion: There are Dresses and then there are DRESSES

Azzedine Alaïa, the famous Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer who passed away last November left a lasting legacy to the world of fashion. Je Suis Couturier, an exhibition of 41 dresses by Alaïa, will be a chance for the admiring fashion crowd to pay their respects.  Especially since he never wanted a memorial.

With signature elegance and masterful cutting, Alaïa knew how to highlight the body’s curves like no other. Poignantly, the couturier himself selected the 60 pieces for inclusion.

In response to a couture career spanning 35 years, new and architectural pieces have been commissioned for the show, allowing artists and designers to pay tribute to a designer who was truly enamored with his craft.

“Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier” runs until October 7, 2018, at the Design Museum, London. www.designmuseum.org

Naomi Campbell Photo Credit: Josh Olins for British Vogue
– ALAIA GALLERIA BORGHESE

Azzedine Alaïa Photo Credit: Peter Lindbergh

 

 

 

Summer style: Sac du marché

Off to the Market…or not.

Perhaps the beach instead, or an overnight stay with a friend.  In any case the oversize straw bag is an essential to have in your collection. 

I think you need at least one good market bag even if you don’t plan to go to the market.

I’ve always loved the original plain French straw tote with leather handle.  Roomy enough for carrying groceries and fresh flowers.  They always seem to have some in stock at L’Occitane.

Although the colorful and embellished bags are nice too.

d. king
Basket bags embellished with pom poms and tassels by The Happy Beach. (Photography: The Happy Beach via Instagram)

So many choices.  Not enough room to store them all.  They all scream SUMMER IS HERE.

upcountry living

Do you have a favorite?

 

 

 

Style: Summer Essential

Flip Flops

It’s June 21st, the official first day of Summer

What better time to chill out, unwind and get in a flip flop state of mind – the ultimate casual summer shoe. Not just a shoe, but a way of life.

Granted you cannot or should not wear flip flops to a board meeting, wedding or funeral, but you can definitely wear them with a skirt or dress.  Not just for the beach anymore.

Have fun with the zillion variety of designs and colors out there.

Flip Flop images: Havaianas